Modifications
Geography: Edexcel A Level, topic 1.5.2
Modifying the Tectonic Hazard Event
The impacts of tectonic hazards can be managed by a variety of mitigation and adaptation strategies. One way to adapt is to build infrastructure that physically resists tectonic hazards.
Land-use and buildings
- One way to modify the tectonic hazard disaster event is to build resistant cities.
- Land-use zoning can be used to prevent building on low-lying coasts to avoid tsunami damage. Planners can also avoid building on areas close to volcanoes and areas where liquefaction (liquid mud that comes to the surface after earthquakes) is likely.
- Aseismic buildings that have deep foundations and use cross-bracing and counterweights can be built to resist earthquake damage.
Physical defences
- Physical man-made defences can be built to try and interfere with the path of a natural hazard.
- Tsunami defences can be made by building strong seawalls and breakwaters.
- Lava diversion and control can be done by building channels and cooling areas with water.
Modifying Vulnerability and Loss
The impacts of tectonic hazards can be managed by a range of mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Modifying vulnerability
- There are a few ways that the vulnerability of a place to a natural disaster can be reduced:
- Through using high-tech monitoring equipment to monitor volcanoes and predict eruptions.
- Through community preparedness and education. Governments can provide earthquake kits, preparation days and risk education.
- People can adapt by moving out of danger areas and relocating.
Modifying loss
- The losses that people experience in disasters can be modified.
- Emergency aid straight after the event like search and rescue, emergency food, water and shelter can be improved.
- Long-term aid to help reconstruction and becoming more resilient can be improved.
- Monetary compensation can be given to people who have lost houses and belongings through insurance, but this is mostly restricted to developed countries.
Test yourself on Modifications
Why would you build a building with deep foundations, cross-bracing and counterweights?
Which of the following are good ways to build resilient cities?
Which of the following would be used in an earthquake-proof building?